Modern Japan’s preeminent historical novelist, Ryotaro Shiba shaped the nation’s imagination with his works on figures such as the revolutionary samurai Sakamoto Ryoma, the last shogun Tokugawa Yoshinobu, and the Akiyama brothers, pioneering officers in the Meiji-era military. Shiba’s life and career can be explored in great detail at this museum on the grounds of his final residence.
Though most of the displays are in Japanese, no language is needed to appreciate the epic basement library, designed by starchitect Tadao Ando. Its 11-metre-high shelves are stacked full with various editions of Shiba’s works, organised by publication date – a remarkable collection that drives home what a remarkably prolific writer the Osaka native was.
Hardcore fans of the author may appreciate the displays of his personal belongings, including ballpoint pens, glasses and sketches. An introductory film plays in the theatre hall, while the in-house café offers visitors the opportunity to browse through Shiba’s books while sipping on a hot drink.